By jim zbick
A century ago, a large tent was erected in Tamaqua's YMCA Park for Chautauqua, part of a nationwide adult education movement which became popular and spread throughout rural America in the late 1800s and early 20th century. The festivals featured speakers, teachers, musicians, entertainers, preachers and specialists of the day.
Former U.S. President Theodore Roosevelt reportedly said that Chautauqua is "the most American thing in America." The assemblies lasted until the mid-1920s.